Chinook Blast

Bird Creatives has had the honour of producing Calgary’s signature winter festival, Chinook Blast since 2022! We couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to work with local artists, community members and partners! From unique events to high-action sports, incredible light and art installations to live music, experiences and more, we’re proud to have delivered an authentic experience that was truly “So Winterful” with the help of Calgary’s many cultural groups.

Key Accomplishments

Festival Production & Coordination:

• Successfully produced Chinook Blast, Calgary’s signature winter festival, since 2022. In each iteration, the festival featured over 200 events in collaboration with 70+ partners, spanning all city quadrants.

Event Design & Cultural Programming:

• In 2024, we curated diverse programming that included three night markets, five pop-up art galleries, and an extensive lineup of live music performances. Each event celebrated Calgary’s cultural richness, with special highlights such as the Glow Fusion Experience for Lunar New Year and Drag On Ice 2 at Prince’s Island Park.

Art & Light Installations:

• In 2024, we oversaw the creation and installation of new art and light installations, including interactive pieces like the fire-breathing Trippity Twitchit in Olympic Plaza and the Cosmic Nexus in East Village. The majority of these installations were crafted by local artists, encouraging community engagement and participation.

Live Music & Performances:

• Coordinated a diverse range of live music performances at the RISE UP Calgary Community Outdoor Stage and other venues. The lineup was curated in partnership with cultural organizations such as the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater, BIG Winter Classic, Ethnik Festivals, and High Performance Rodeo.

High-Action Winter Sports:

• Integrated popular winter sports into the festival, including Nitrocross, the Snow Rodeo Halfpipe World Cups, and the ISU World Speed Skating Championships. Organized a full day of activities at Sport Calgary’s Sports Festival, highlighting child-friendly sports demonstrations.

Unique Market Experiences:

• Produced three distinct night markets at City Hall, each weekend featuring unique cultural showcases in partnership with Four Winds Indigenous Showcase and Market, Asian Heritage Foundation, and Market Collective.

Pop-Up Art Galleries:

• Established five pop-up art galleries at Calgary Public Library locations, featuring diverse Asian artworks and cultural expressions. These galleries promoted cultural exchange and provided local artists with a platform to exhibit their work.

Community Collaboration & Inclusion:

• Fostered collaboration with Calgary’s diverse cultural groups, including Indigenous, Black, Asian, and Queer communities. Events like the Artists Pavilion’s lunchtime mini jams and the Downtown Tasting Tour on Stephen Ave highlighted the festival’s commitment to inclusion and community engagement.

Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorships:

• Secured sponsorship and support from key organizations, including the City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Economic Development, Tourism Calgary, and TD Bank Group. Partnered with multiple cultural and community organizations to ensure the festival's success.

Cultural & Economic Impact:

• Contributed to the advancement of Calgary's creative economy by showcasing the city's diverse voices and perspectives, making Chinook Blast a celebration of winter sports, arts, and culture that enriches the fabric of the entire city.